Bama gymnastics hires new assistant coach

Bill Lorenz, assistant coach for The University of Alabama gymnastics team. (Source: The University of Alabama)

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) -

The University of Alabama announced the hiring of Bill Lorenz on Wednesday as an assistant coach for the Bama gymnastics team.

"We are extremely pleased to have Bill join the Alabama gymnastics family," coach Dana Duckworth said. "We talked to people all over the country in preparing to make this hire and time and again, it came back to Bill. He is a tremendous coach, but more than anything, he understands the tradition of excellence that Alabama's championship legacy is built on. Most importantly, his coaching style is built on the sense of family that has made Alabama gymnastics so great for so many years."

Lorenz comes to Tuscaloosa after spending many years with the Ohio State gymnastics program. While there, he was named National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2012.

"I feel privileged to be able to work alongside two of the best gymnastics coaches in the business in Dana Duckworth and Bryan Raschilla," Lorenz said. "I always knew there was something special about Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama, but after seeing it firsthand, their tradition of excellence is unparalleled in college athletics, and I can't wait to be part of this amazing University and athletic department."

While Lorenz was in Columbus, he helped lead the Buckeyes to their first NCAA Championship appearance in 22 years.